The India Association of New Orleans (IANO) will celebrate its 41st annual Diwali function and banquet on Oct. 27 from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. at the Pontchartrain Center in Kenner.

The event will feature a cultural program followed by dinner and dancing.

Diwali, also known as Deepavli, is a five-day Hindu festival. Diwali falls in the month Kartika on Indian calendar, usually in the month of October or November. Each of the five festival days holds its own importance with many legends associated with the festival, explained Jayant Jani, IANO vice president.

Diwali means "rows of lighted lamps" and the celebration is often referred to as the Festival of Lights. During this time, Jani said, homes are thoroughly cleaned, decorated and windows are opened to welcome Lakshmi, or the goddess of wealth and prosperity. Candles and clay diyas, which are oil lamps, are lit to greet Lakshmi. The celebration is as significant to Hindus as Christmas is to Christians, Jani added.

Light, Jani explained, is a metaphor for knowledge, while darkness represents ignorance.

"It also symbolizes the victory of righteousness and the lifting of spiritual darkness, as well as the victory of good over evil," Jani said. "Lighting a lamp symbolizes the destruction, through knowledge, of all negative forces. Diwali today projects the rich and glorious heritage of India and teaches us to uphold the true values of life."

Gifts and sweets are exchanged and festive meals are prepared, and food is distributed to the poor.

For more information, call Ghosh at (504) 390-7332, or Jani at (504) 400-4557 . You can also go to the website www.indianeworleans.com.